Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Vikindu, Tanzania is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially under the area's typically intense sun exposure. With a tropical climate characterized by high UV levels, reaching peaks of 12 around midday, staying informed about the UV Index can help residents and visitors alike take necessary precautions. By grasping the significance of UV awareness, you can protect your skin, enjoy outdoor activities safely, and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage caused by UV radiation. Whether you're soaking up the sun or enjoying a stroll in Vikindu, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen is essential for safeguarding your health.
The UV Index for the day illustrates a clear pattern of rising intensity as the sun climbs higher in the sky. Starting at 1 at 7:00 AM, the index gradually climbs to 2 by 8:00 AM, signaling the start of a moderately low UV risk. By 9:00 AM, it hits 4, marking the onset of more noticeable sun exposure. The sun reaches its zenith at 12:00 PM, where the UV index peaks at an intense 12—a critical time for sun safety. As afternoon gives way to evening, the index begins to decline, dropping to 6 by 3:00 PM and sinking to a gentle 1 by 5:00 PM. Finally, by 7:00 PM, the UV threat diminishes entirely, with a reading of 0. A day's journey through UV risk highlights the importance of protection during those midday hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index indicates significant seasonal variations, with the highest levels occurring from January to March and again in August. The majority of the months display an extreme exposure category, particularly from January to April and in September. May, though slightly lower, remains a month of concern with a UV Index of 12, while June and July, categorized as very high, offer a brief respite with a burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should remain vigilant during these high-risk months, especially between January and March when the UV Index peaks at 15, suggesting a burn time of just 10 minutes. It is advisable for everyone to take robust sun protection measures, such as wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen frequently, and seeking shade during peak hours, to mitigate the risks associated with high UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zanzibar UVI | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| Vikindu | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| Dar es Salaam UVI | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| Mwanza UVI | 14 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| Arusha UVI | 15 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 |
| Mbeya UVI | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 |